Posted September 2, 2026
Another day, another delay tactic in Dynacare bargaining.
Dynacare and the Manitoba government are playing games and showing outright disrespect for the integrity of the bargaining process.
On September 1, MAHCP learned the Manitoba government is attempting to interfere in the bargaining process, which could negatively impact our members’ right to strike. Dynacare’s 350+ medical lab professionals deserve better, and that is why we will continue to fight, together.
Here’s an overview of how we got here:
- Dynacare asked MAHCP representatives to meet on August 31 with the assistance of a conciliator, an independent third party tasked with trying to bring the parties to an agreement. The employer made it clear they weren’t willing to improve the final offer they presented last week, and asked MAHCP to respond to that offer.
- At the end of the day, August 31, our Bargaining Committee made a counterproposal. Then, we learned through reporting in the Winnipeg Free Press that Dynacare had rejected the counterproposal and unilaterally chosen to end conciliation. Apparently they were done talking.
- Then, Dynacare doubled down on that message in an employee memo, in which they made abundantly clear they never had any intention of being flexible on their offer. They won’t budge unless we make them.
Binding arbitration (also called interest arbitration) is not a viable option for our members. There isn’t any guarantee of a positive outcome with binding arbitration. An arbitrator will impose the decision on members and the employer, members do not get to vote on the outcome, and this process takes pressure off the employer, which is why they want it.
Dynacare should never have brought this to media and employees; that discussion is for the bargaining table only. By talking openly about it, they are bargaining in bad faith. MAHCP has filed an official complaint with the Manitoba Labour Board.
Then, MAHCP received a copy of a Manitoba Labour Board order (ES-1 Determination Application for Essential Services) submitted by provincial Minister of Labour & Immigration Malaya Marcelino. This is a direct effort to derail our members’ legally protected right to strike and this means the government is attempting to force a renegotiation of an Essential Services Agreement.
Our two parties (Dynacare and MAHCP) consented in March (almost six months ago) that Dynacare services are not essential under the Act (not required to be maintained in the event of a strike or lockout). No one seemed to care about lab professionals’ non-essential designation until we reached a crisis point and the reality of a potentially catastrophic strike loomed large around the corner.
This is why unions exist. We do the work of filing necessary legal documents to protect workers’ rights, while our members focus on keeping their positive energy up, serving patients, and standing their ground for competitive wages and safe workplace conditions.
A lot can change leading up to our strike deadline (September 8 at 6:00 a.m.). Our Bargaining Committee is open to further negotiations if the employer wants to come back to the table with a reasonable tentative offer and with a respectful approach. A strike can still be averted, but that’s all on Dynacare.